The mist surrounding the 2024 Super League season has been cleared in fine fashion after TNM plc Wednesday announced a new three-year deal worth K1.5 billion at Mount Soche Hotel in Blantyre.
Annually, the package is worth K500 million, up from K150 million.
Following the new package, league champions will receive K100 million, up from K40 million, representing a 120 percent hike.
Club subvention has also been increased to K10 million per club annually, up from K4 million, translating to a total allocation of K160 million.
TNM Chief Executive Officer Hebert Michel said the increase solidifies TNM’s position as a passionate football partner with unwavering commitment to excellence and football development in the country.
“This year presents a great opportunity for TNM to renew our commitment towards the flagship Super League in grand style. With this substantial increase in financial backing, the TNM Super League will redefine the sports sponsorship landscape and unlock new avenues for growth and innovation for all football stakeholders,” Michel said.
Michel said TNM believes that the enhanced sponsorship portfolio will enable Super League teams to introduce innovative initiatives and amplify their impact on fans while improving the standards of football in the country.
Hebert also announced that the 2024 season marks the beginning of a new era for football fans as TNM has launched its Electronic Ticketing solution.
“Our E-ticketing solution uses TNM’s mobile money platform Mpamba and deploys its Mpamba-linked debit card to facilitate smart access to football games, instantly eradicating the need to carry cash to the stadium,” he said.
In reaction, Sulom President Colonel Gilbert Mittawa hailed TNM for the gesture.
“The excitement is visible to everyone. The sponsorship hike is huge and, from our end as Sulom, we are grateful and on behalf of all the teams we are happy.
“Football has to transition from just a social enterprise to business and requires a substantial investment of interns of finances. This will go a long way in transforming the game in Malawi,” Mittawa said.
On his part, Football Association of Malawi President Fleetwood Haiya also thanked TNM for hiking the sponsorship.
“We are excited to see the continuation of this relationship. Allow me to thank them for the sponsorship, which has never happened in football.
“This sponsorship will help us revive, reform and rebrand Malawi’s football,” Haiya said.
Football pundits and Super League clubs officials including Mighty Mukuru Wanderers Chief Executive Officer Panganeni Ndovi and FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Administration Officer Albert Chigoga were in attendance.
Both Ndovi and Chigoga hailed the deal.
TNM started sponsoring the league in 2006.